HELP! Planning a wedding in short notice

Any suggestions for planning a wedding on a very short time frame (approx 6-8 weeks)? We are looking at getting married either in between Christmas and NY or just after the first of the year. And because I feel the need to explain- a family member who works abroad just announced that he will be home THIS holiday season, not next year as planned. Hence the short turnaround.

The ceremony part is easy, because we’re having a church wedding and have actually done all of the necessary prep for that several months ago. Booking is no problem.

We’re looking for a smallish (under 75) reception in mid-afternoon. It will probably classify as casual for a reception, although we live in a formal part of the country. By that, i mean that there will be a cocktail hour and heavy apps, but no dancing, walk in/introductions, bouquet toss, etc. etc.

Read my mind and tell me all of the things I’m not thinking about and haven’t considered.

A few things we have thought of, in addition to above:

Photographer- perfect job for a close family member who will want to be in the background

Attire- he’s getting his suit tailored and cleaned, I’m thinking of an off-the-rack off white dress (J.Crew?) and a headpiece that I haven’t purchased, but I’m hoping I can find on Etsy; colored shoes and a shawl. Again, this is where the event falls into casual- no traditional bridal gown for me.

Invitations- will be made at home and very simple. No need to worry about backups at the printer.

Flowers- probably only a bouquet for me, if that. The church will still be decorated from the holidays and we are hoping to use a reception space that is already decorated.

Invitations are going out this weekend! As for airfare- I should mention that 75% of our guest list lives within an hour of where the wedding will be. Yes, some do still have to fly but it’s not a major trip for most of those people, even.

You did remind me of something though…a hotel block! I don’t think it will be necessary, but most of the out-of-towners have never been to where we’ll be, so I presume they’ll need suggestions.

If we do have a wedding party, we’ll be asking them this weekend. If not, then a close mentor couple of ours. Also- if we do a wedding party, they will not have assigned clothes. It will be men in black (ha!) and women in solid color dresses that are knee-length.

Immediate family will be involved in the mass (and the church arranges music), and we’re happy with ipod/radio streaming in the background of the reception.

Thank you for helping me get all of these ideas out there. This is not something I was planning on this soon. We haven’t even made a big engagement announcement or done a registry (nbd if it’s too late for that) or anything.